West Ham United could splash out up to £20m on Manchester City striker

West Ham United are reportedly ready to make a move for Manchester City’s out-of-favour striker Wilfried Bony this summer, according to the Daily Mirror.

The Premier League club, who currently sit fifth in the standings after defeating Everton 3-2 at Goodison Park on Saturday, have identified the Ivory Coast international as an alternative transfer target should the Hammers miss out on Marseille’s star forward Michy Batshuayi.

The 27-year-old, who has 41 international caps for his country, has scored nine goals and provided five assists in 26 appearances in all competitions for Manuel Pellegrini’s side so far this season.

Bony, who arrived at the Etihad Stadium from Swansea City back in January 2015 in a deal worth up to £28m, faces an uncertain future with the Citizens under incoming manager Pep Guardiola this summer.

West Ham want a marquee signing come the conclusion of the 2015-16 campaign as they move into their Olympic Stadium, with the report suggesting that they are ready to splash out up to £20m, meaning they will smash their club-record transfer fee – £15m for Andy Carroll (Liverpool).